Back in 2006, the John Carroll women's basketball team said goodbye to a strong senior leader who had helped the Blue Streaks post their best record in nearly a decade.

Little did the team or head coach Kristie Maravalli know that Caitlin Hubach (Fairview Park, OH, Magnificat) would reemerge and become a playmaker on the 2008-2009 squad.

Pursuing a Masters degree in Education combined with obtaining a teaching degree was what brought Hubach back to John Carroll after two years away.

But she did not originally come back with the intention of playing basketball.

In fact, Maravalli and Hubach had spent time during a weekend in October playing together in an intramural golf tournament and Hubach said nothing to hint at her return.

“When Caitlin came into my office and said she wanted to play I thought she was joking,” Maravalli said.

Perhaps a few weeks prior, the notion of returning would have seemed humorous to Hubach as well. While not playing competitively since her final game in 2006, she had never strayed far from the game itself. During the past two years, Hubach had spent time coaching with her older sister, Meghann, for the junior varsity basketball team at Magnificat High School -- her “other” alma mater.

Hubach first became aware of the option to play a final season when one of her professors pointed out that she had a fourth year of eligibility.

“We called Gretchen [Weitbrecht], were in her office within 90 seconds and that's all it took to get her back on the team,” Maravalli said.

Not only is the coaching staff happy to have a veteran on the squad but so are Hubach's teammates. Junior Caitlin Sureck (Medina, OH, Walsh Jesuit) mentioned how excited she was to be playing with Hubach again and getting some advice from the graduate.

“I have learned a lot about the game of basketball from watching her play and playing with her,” Sureck said. “She has been an integral part of our team's success thus far this season and I see that continuing as the season progresses.”

Hubach has not only put in quality basketball during practice hours but always enjoys staying late to help her teammates improve.

“I've been working with the post players after practice,” Hubach said. “If I'm guarding someone during practice and can put in my two cents to improve their game then I will definitely do all I can do to help.”

Maravalli commented that you can just see how much Hubach is enjoying the game.

“She is such a great example and you don't realize how special until you see how hard of an effort she puts in,” Maravalli said.

Interestingly enough this has been Hubach's healthiest season to date, while she suffered numerous injuries throughout her career and had to miss the entire 03'-04' campaign when she was struck by a car while riding a bike.

“It's so great to have her back and for her to be healthy,” Maravalli said. “The team this year has been struck with many injuries and illness but that has allowed us to utilize our options. Ultimately that has made us a better team competitively and more well rounded.”

Hubach said as always it is the team's goal to win an OAC Championship. But in some ways, she has already achieved something more personal.

“This is the most fun I have had (during my college career) playing with these girls,” she said. “If I had overlooked this opportunity I would have been disappointed in myself for not taking it so now I'm just making the most of it.”

As for Hubach's future after this basketball season, it is safe to say that the sport that is so close to her heart will continue with her wherever she goes.

“I hope to do something with basketball at any level because it is something you definitely miss when you aren't around it,” Hubach said.